Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one part of a group of neurodevelopmental disorders grouped into the term ADD — also called attention deficit disorder. For many years, medical professionals considered ADD and ADHD to be separate conditions, but today both are treated the same way.

ADHD can affect both children and adults. Many people believe it is a childhood condition; however, ADHD is usually carried into adulthood and may greatly influence a man's or woman's ability to work and handle social settings. ADHD symptoms include trouble keeping steady attention, difficulty completing tasks, hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors.

ADHD Symptoms

Symptoms of ADHD include:

Difficulty focusing on tasks

Disorganization

Restlessness

Impulsiveness

Low frustration tolerance

Difficulty handling stress

Difficulty maintaining relationships

Symptoms of ADHD usually develop during childhood, but they may not be identified until later in life. Adults may not even realize they have the condition. ADHD can influence a man or woman's ability to complete important tasks and may result in missed deadlines or forgetting special events or meetings.

Any symptoms of hyperactivity that disrupt your daily life should be checked by a health care professional. It is important to note that many other conditions can have symptoms similar to ADHD, so be sure to talk with a professional.

ADHD Causes

Researchers are not certain what causes ADHD. There may be some link between genetics or problems that occurred when the neurologic system was developing before birth. Researchers have found no link between ADHD and the amount of sugar consumed, watching too much television or poor parenting skills.

In addition, these factors may also increase the likelihood of developing childhood ADHD:

Brain injury

Exposure to chemicals in the environment (like lead)

Premature birth

Low birth weight

Exposure to drugs and alcohol before birth

ADHD Treatment

Treating ADHD can require a team effort and more than one approach. Not every child or adult will respond to the same treatment, and a combination of treatments may need to be used. The most common treatments include:

Medications to stimulate the body's brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters. Sometimes antidepressants are used in adults or in patients who can't tolerate stimulant drugs. Antidepressants aren't approved for use in children.

Cognitive behavioral therapy to manage impulses and change negative thinking patterns. Marriage or family counseling may be helpful for family members who live with someone who has ADHD.

ADHD Support

Living with ADHD can be very challenging. Therapy can be helpful, but it's also good to find support from others around you. You can consider finding a local support group, or you may choose to lean on friends or family. It can be hard to share your ADHD diagnosis with some people, but it may help them understand you better and make your relationships stronger.